Basil tarragon mojitos with friends

One of my most favorite things to do is gather together some of my favorite people and share a meal so, last night we had a small dinner party.  I made Brazilian Fish Stew (a recipe from my friend Lena) and paired it with basil tarragon mojitos (these also made an appearance at our studio party a few weeks ago).  The whole night was so much fun...the most fun I've had in quite some time.  I'll share the fish stew on another occasion because I really want to share the mojito recipe - the weather will soon turn cold and these are best on a hot summer evening...so invite some friends over and make these!

Here's what I did:

A few hours before you'll be serving these, make a simple syrup:

Combine 1cup sugar and 3 cups water in a saucepan and heat until sugar is entirely dissolved (the sugar is fully dissolved when the mixture no longer looks cloudy).

Turn off heat and add a few sprigs of basil and tarragon..stems and all. 

Set aside and let cool.

NEXT:

Juice 8-10 limes (only use fresh lime juice…it's much much better!)

Gather up one hearty handful of fresh basil (about 2 cups with stems)

and

One healthy bunch of fresh tarragon (about 1 cup with stems)

(these can stay mostly whole bunches…you'll muddle them in the next step)

Combine the above three ingredients in a large glass pitcher. 

Using a flat muddler or wooden spoon, muddle the herbs and lime juice.  This releases the oils of the herbs which adds depth and flavor to your drink.

Add 2 cups of your simple syrup to the glass pitcher & stir. (save the remaining in a glass jar for another use)

Next add one entire 750mL bottle of white rum.  Whatever kind you prefer…though the better your rum, the better your drink.  We used Cruzan.  

Mix a bit more.

Top off the pitcher with seltzer.

thinly slice two limes and add to your pitcher…mix up a bit more.  You'll end up with a beautiful drink that everyone will enjoy!

note:

This makes a very strong drink.  We started with a cup full of ice, filled it 3/4 of the way with the mojito mixture and topped off with seltzer.  I love cocktails but not when they are sugary sweet.  This one is just the right balance of refreshing basil, slightly licorice-y tarragon, limes and rum.  It might be the best drink I've ever made.

note 2:

This could also be made without alcohol as a summer limeade.  Simply use all of the simple syrup and in place of rum, use seltzer. Equally as delicious and refreshing.